The storm is over and spring is finally here! We can sit outside and enjoy the long warm relaxing days. But something feels strange… You sense many eyes looking at you. They are patiently waiting to spoil your fun. They are the SPRING PESTS! There are 9 pest hotspots in your house that you should check out. But don’t worry! Here are some handy tips to make sure these pests don’t spoil your day in the sun.
Spring pests in Ireland
As the seasons change, so do the pests which inhabit your homes and gardens. Autumn and winter are prime times for rodents and bed bugs whilst spring and summer are ruled by stinging and biting insects, among others.
Here are common spring pests in Ireland
Spring and summer are popular times for people to take a holiday and visit other countries, so bed bugs can also be a problem during these months.
Spring prevention tips
Although there are a range of different pests looking to invade your home during the warmer months, implementing a handful of simple prevention tips can help keep these pests away.
1. Roof
Pests
- Bees
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Repair damaged roof tiles
- Fill cracks in with roofing cement
- Make sure drain pipes are clear from debris and standing water
- Check the overhang of the roof and in between roof tiles for nests
2. Air vents
Air vents can provide an easy entry point to your home. During the springtime when termite swarms start, this can make your home quite vulnerable.
Pests
- Ants
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tip
- Install mesh airbrick ventilation covers
3. Attic
Your attic is an ideal place for some pests to set up camp and build their nests. The exposed wood beams and items stored in cardboard boxes can be a good source of food.
Pests
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Store items in plastic boxes
- Regularly inspect attic beams for termite damage by pressing your thumb on the timber to test if it is feeling soft and spongy
4. Bedrooms
Bedrooms can be a prime spot of pest activity. For some pests, like bed bugs, the bedroom can be a source of both food and refuge.
Pests
- Bed bugs
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Keep windows and doors shut
- Reduce the amount of wooden furniture
- Keep furniture away from walls
- Regularly inspect for termite activity
- Check beds, pillows, mattresses, bed frames and carpet for signs of bed bugs
- Wash bed linen at a high temperature of at least 60℃, ideally for 90 mins
- Vacuum regularly
5. Windows
Left open, windows are a great entry route for pests into your home.
Pests
- Ants
- Bees
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Keep windows shut, especially during swarming periods for ants and termites
- Install an electric fly killer to prevent flying insects.
6. Gardens
Gardens can act as a giant magnet for pests. They are full of food, and they provide places to live and breeding areas.
Pests
- Ants
- Bees
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Remove standing water from buckets and other containers
- Remove unwanted tree stumps
- Keep piles of wood elevated and away from the foundations of your home
- Keep shrubbery and vegetation to a minimum
- Use mulch made from plastic, rubber and gravel instead of wood
- Seal cracks in patios
- Keep compost in a container with a tight lid
- Check garden regularly.
7. Garages
Garages aren’t only a great place to keep your car, they also provide pests with a place to nest. They might even act as a stepping stone into your home.
Pests
- Ants
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Check corners for wasps nests
- Repair any damage to the infrastructure
- Make sure the garage is free from damp
- Store items in plastic boxes, and ideally off the floor
- Ensure all entrances to your home, if any, are properly sealed
8. Kitchens
Kitchens are an ideal place for pests to forage for food. The abundance of food turns your kitchen into a free “all you can eat” buffet for pests.
Pests
- Ants
- Flies
- Termites
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Empty bins on a daily basis
- Check pipes for leakage, and repair if necessary
- Keep work surfaces clean and free from spillage and crumbs
- Store food in airtight containers
- Empty litter trays regularly
- Don’t leave pet food out when temperatures are high
9. Outdoor bins
Outside bins can become a 5 star restaurant for pests.
Pests
- Flies
- Wasps
Find out common signs of these pests here.
Prevention tips
- Do not overfill bins
- Ensure all bins have tight fitting lids
Is your home potentially at risk?
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